In a bid to ensure service delivery, the House of Representatives has expressed readiness to address age falsification, stagnation and compulsory retirement of directors after eight years in office.

Pursuant to the goal, the House Committee on Public Service Matters yesterday organised a Public Hearing to provide a platform for open dialogue on the legislative proposals that cut across welfare, institutional efficiency, and public service accountability.

The Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen observed that in spite the fact that the policy may have been well-intentioned, there are those who view it as a waste of talent and institutional knowledge, prematurely pushing experienced professionals out of service.

The speaker said that also under consideration is the issue relating to stagnation in promotions within the federal civil service which has become a major source of frustration for many civil servants who, despite years of service and consistent performance, find their career growth stalled.

The Speaker explained that age falsification had been a long-standing challenge that is eroding the integrity of the public service sector.

The lawmaker said that age falsification not only distorted succession planning but also created unfair advantages and extended unmerited tenure, thereby weakening institutional trust.

The Speaker charged stakeholders to come forth with observations, and recommendations that will guide in shaping responsive and effective laws that reflect both global best practices and local realities.

He further stated that billed for consideration is a bill for an Act to repeal the National Assembly Service Commission Act of 2014 and replace it with the National Assembly Service Act, 2025, a proposal to amend the National Assembly Service Pension Board Act (2023) to establish a clear and equitable framework for gratuity payments, and create a dedicated fund for the pension scheme.

The Chairman, House Committee on Public Service Matters, Sani Bala described the issues under consideration as critical to the functioning of our government, and to the lives of millions of Nigerians who rely on a responsive and efficient public service.

The President of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Mr. Joe Ajaero commended the house of representatives for the initiative to move the civil service forward.

He, however, said that the widowhood leave should be replaced with bereavement leave so that their male counterparts can also benefit, insisting that it should come with special pay of 100 per cent of monthly pay.

“Nigerian workers are already suffering systemic insensitivity to their emotional and psychological well-being as a result of the non-existence of a statute of this nature. This law will allow workers sufficient time to heal and return to work healthier and more productive.

“Several countries have recognised the profound emotional and logistical challenges faced by individuals following the death of a spouse, by instituting bereavement or family responsibility leave policies. Notable examples include; South Africa and France,” he said.